KARACHI, Feb 10: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim said on Thursday that necessary steps have been taken for maintaining peace during Muharam, and warned of stern action against those disturbing peace.

The government has also ensured provision of water, streetlights and other civic facilities across the province during the month, he told a representative meeting of religious scholars and leaders of various schools of thought at the chief minister's house.

Arbab Rahim called upon the religious scholars to join hands with the government in promoting religious harmony in the province and hoped that the scholars would emphasize on it in their speeches.

He said a code of ethics had been devised according to which there would be a ban on illegal processions, raising of slogans and chalking that could hurt the sentiments of different sects.

Hafiz Mohammad Taqi, Maulana Tanveerul Haq Thanvi, Allama Syed Naseemul Hasan Zaidi, Mateen Qureshi and others spoke at the meeting and assured to discourage sectarianism during Muharam.

Home minister Rauf Siddiqui told the meeting that police helpline Madadgar-15 would remain alert during the month and controlrooms have been set up at the offices of IGP, Home Secretary, all DCOs and DPOs to monitor the situation.

Later, he told the newsmen that secrete surveillance cameras will be installed along the routes of processions of mourners.

Rauf Siddiqui also appealed to religious scholars and citizens to inform the Madadgar-15 or nearest police station about any suspected person or thing without any delay. Moreover, the district police officers, town police officers and station house officers would patrol their respective areas instead of sitting in their offices. -PPI